I adapted this recipe from a South Beach Diet cookbook. There are some changes I made due to ingredients that I had (or didn't have) on hand as well as personal taste. The original recipe called for split peas as opposed to lentils but since lentils are one of my favorite legumes and it's the only kind I had in the cupboard, this is what I used. This recipe is broken into two parts, starting with the lentils and ending with the pork chops - the lentils take much longer to make.
Lentils:
2 1/2 T oil (I use Smart Balance for everything)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
2 tsp Sriracha
1 tsp ground cumin
3 c. chicken broth
1 smoked ham hock
1 bay leaf, broken in half
1 c. lentils
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the garlic and cook, stirring, for one minute. Add the onion, celery and carrot and turn the heat up to medium-high. Cook for about 5 minutes. Add the Sriracha and cumin, stir in well. Add the chicken broth, ham, bay leaf and lentils. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then turn down to medium-low and cook until the lentils have softened, about 45 minutes. Depending on the size of your ham hock it may take longer than this as some of the heat will be absorbed by the meat. Remove the ham hock and bay leaf halves. Lightly mash the lentil mixture with the back of a spoon, stir and let sit while the pork chops are cooking. This dish will thicken slightly as it stands.
Pork Chops:
1 1/2 T ground cumin
3 tsp ground coriander
1/2 T hot paprika
1 T lemon juice
1/2 T salt
1/2 T pepper
6 pork loin chops, about 1 1/2" thick
3 T oil
Combine cumin, coriander, hot paprika, salt and pepper in a large ziploc bag. Add the pork chops along with the lemon juice. Seal the bag and shake and rub well until pork chops are evenly coated. Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat. Add the oil and once it is quite hot add the chops. Sear on both sides, turn the heat down to medium-low, cover and cook for about 6-7 minutes. Your pork chops should be slightly pink inside and exude clear juices when pricked. Remove the chops to a tray and let stand for about 10 minutes. This will let the juices redistribute before they're cut open. In other words, your pork chops will be juicier than if you cut into them right away. No one likes dry pork and it's so easy to overcook them to shoe leather.
Dinner is done! This was a really tasty dish that my husband enjoyed as well. The lentils have this incredibly smoky and complex flavor from the veggies and ham hock and the pork chops are quite pleasing as well. Leftovers can be eaten on greens for a quick and easy salad or sliced thinly and reheated with the lentils.
Enjoy.
3.12.2009
Mastodon Photos from Scion Rock Fest
Once again, I'm regretting the fact that I was not present for this event. There are some good photos here of Mastodon's set at The Masquerade.
Scorpions. Not the band.
I got to thinking this morning about spiders. It was another one of my 5am, sitting in the glider with a doodlebug on my lap while eating his morning meal, mind-wandering moments. I was barefoot and I started having an irrational fear that a big spider was going to suddenly crawl out from under the chair, scramble its way up onto my foot and plant sharp, barbed and poisonous fangs into my skin. I immediately shook my feet, just to make sure there wasn't anything on me and stomped a few times for peace of mind.
Then after the giant tarantulas I thought of scorpions. Scorpions are quite possibly the only bugs I despise (and fear) more than spiders. I grew up in the woods and there were often wolf spiders on my bedroom wall that could only have grown that large from taking 'roids in Arachnidia High. Since they were too large for any sane individual that valued their life to squish with a tissue, my mom would get the vacuum out and send them to their quick and certain death. I thought they were the most vile creatures ever. That is, until I lived in Florida and came face to face - literally - with scorpions. There are no scorpions in Pennsylvania. You have to go to a pet store to find them, or to a crazy friend's house. Not so in Florida. Of course I didn't know that they lived in Florida, naive as I was, so imagine my horror when the first day I lived there I sat down on the stoop outside my apartment, lit up a cigarette, took a deep breath of plumeria-scented air and glanced to the fence beside me to see a scorpion RIGHT THERE looking back at me. I screamed. I did a dance. I'm not ashamed to admit that I was terrified, the heebie-jeebies were running all up and down my spine and I probably looked crazy to my new neighbors. As time went on, I learned that the only thing worse than stepping on a large spider is stepping on any size scorpion. They crunch. Loudly. And ugh, the mess.
Back to feeding Asher in the dark. As if I'm not grossed out enough by the thought of a spider attacking me, now I'm worried that a scorpion will. Even though I know there aren't any scorpions here and I've never seen a spider bigger than a nickel in our house. I know they're out there, waiting for the right moment when I'm not suspecting them and they'll GET ME. All rational thinking eludes me when I'm half asleep and sitting in the dark.
Them and the zombies.
Why don't I think about ponies and unicorns and cotton candy?? Why has my imagination always been filled with horrors and the macabre? As if I don't have enough to think about, what with the economy in the shitter like it is, I also have to think about imaginary monsters that aren't even there. Maybe it is a manifestation of some sort of my subconscious fears. Maybe I need medication.
Then after the giant tarantulas I thought of scorpions. Scorpions are quite possibly the only bugs I despise (and fear) more than spiders. I grew up in the woods and there were often wolf spiders on my bedroom wall that could only have grown that large from taking 'roids in Arachnidia High. Since they were too large for any sane individual that valued their life to squish with a tissue, my mom would get the vacuum out and send them to their quick and certain death. I thought they were the most vile creatures ever. That is, until I lived in Florida and came face to face - literally - with scorpions. There are no scorpions in Pennsylvania. You have to go to a pet store to find them, or to a crazy friend's house. Not so in Florida. Of course I didn't know that they lived in Florida, naive as I was, so imagine my horror when the first day I lived there I sat down on the stoop outside my apartment, lit up a cigarette, took a deep breath of plumeria-scented air and glanced to the fence beside me to see a scorpion RIGHT THERE looking back at me. I screamed. I did a dance. I'm not ashamed to admit that I was terrified, the heebie-jeebies were running all up and down my spine and I probably looked crazy to my new neighbors. As time went on, I learned that the only thing worse than stepping on a large spider is stepping on any size scorpion. They crunch. Loudly. And ugh, the mess.
Back to feeding Asher in the dark. As if I'm not grossed out enough by the thought of a spider attacking me, now I'm worried that a scorpion will. Even though I know there aren't any scorpions here and I've never seen a spider bigger than a nickel in our house. I know they're out there, waiting for the right moment when I'm not suspecting them and they'll GET ME. All rational thinking eludes me when I'm half asleep and sitting in the dark.
Them and the zombies.
Why don't I think about ponies and unicorns and cotton candy?? Why has my imagination always been filled with horrors and the macabre? As if I don't have enough to think about, what with the economy in the shitter like it is, I also have to think about imaginary monsters that aren't even there. Maybe it is a manifestation of some sort of my subconscious fears. Maybe I need medication.
3.10.2009
Sweet and Sour Individual Meatloafs
I made these for dinner tonight - very tasty! I served it with baked macaroni and cheese and the only thing missing was a cold beer.
Meatloaf
1 lb ground beef
1 chorizo sausage, diced (about 6 oz)
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 small onion, diced
1 T garlic
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
2 T Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp Sriracha
1 egg
1/2 c bread crumbs
Sweet and Sour Sauce
1/2 c ketchup
1/4 c brown sugar
2 T vinegar
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Saute onion and carrot in a bit of oil over medium heat for about 7 minutes, until softened. In a large mixing bowl, combine all meatloaf ingredients and mix well. Use your hands, it's fun.
In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar and vinegar until it's combined.
Divide meatloaf mixture into 12 fairly even balls. I start by forming it into a rectangle and separating it in half, then into half again, then into thirds. Coat a 12 muffin tray with cooking spray and put 1 T of sauce in the bottom of each section. Then add a meatloaf ball and press down until flattened on top.
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove and let cool on a tray for 5 minutes, then serve.
Mmmmmmmmmm! This also freezes well so whatever you don't eat, just put into a freezer bag and freeze for a rainy day.
Meatloaf
1 lb ground beef
1 chorizo sausage, diced (about 6 oz)
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 small onion, diced
1 T garlic
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
2 T Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp Sriracha
1 egg
1/2 c bread crumbs
Sweet and Sour Sauce
1/2 c ketchup
1/4 c brown sugar
2 T vinegar
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Saute onion and carrot in a bit of oil over medium heat for about 7 minutes, until softened. In a large mixing bowl, combine all meatloaf ingredients and mix well. Use your hands, it's fun.
In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar and vinegar until it's combined.
Divide meatloaf mixture into 12 fairly even balls. I start by forming it into a rectangle and separating it in half, then into half again, then into thirds. Coat a 12 muffin tray with cooking spray and put 1 T of sauce in the bottom of each section. Then add a meatloaf ball and press down until flattened on top.
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove and let cool on a tray for 5 minutes, then serve.
Mmmmmmmmmm! This also freezes well so whatever you don't eat, just put into a freezer bag and freeze for a rainy day.
3.08.2009
A Night With Pentagram and More...
We had an adult night out on March 7 and we headed down to Baltimore for a show at the Sonar. Before the show we stopped at CHAPS Charcol Restaurant on Pulaski Highway. This place was featured on the Food Network channel's show, 'Diners, Drive-ins and Dives' on their All In The Family episode. As you may know, Guy Fieri is the host of the show and he looks like this:
As we walked through a delicious pit smoke cloud and went in the front door we were greeted by a large and life-like banner proudly displaying Guy and the restaurant's 15 minutes of fame. The banner was directly behind a table and sitting at this table was Guy Fieri. Wait, that's not quite right. It was Guy's body double..no lies, folks. He was a spitting image and I can only guess that he realized this and was hoping for a couple requests for autographs. What a poser. I would have liked to snap a picture but the camera was in the car. I chose a 1/4 lb all beef hot dog with ham and cheddar cheese and my tastebuds were singing with joy. The dog was sliced longwise down the center and grilled, piled with pit ham on top and swimming in thick yellow cheddar sauce. Completely yummy. The french fries were fresh cut, small and skinny, and fried to the zen of crispiness in peanut oil. I'm salivating, are you?
After dinner we drive a couple miles into town and found our hotel, checked in, then headed to the show which was 3 blocks away. Playing at the show was, in set order, Serpent Throne, Moonshine, The Devil's Blood, Priestess and the headliner, Pentagram. The show was at the Sonar club, on East Saratoga and it's a good venue because it's all about the bands. There are no frills, no fancies, and the side of the club we were on didn't even have any chairs. It's dark and cavelike, quite the perfect setting for watching a historic metal show.
The show was great, as expected.
Serpent Throne opened the night up with their usual groove - I look forward to the day when I watch them headlining shows. They hale from Philly and their roots are deep set in Black Sabbath, Sir Lord Baltimore and other hard classic rock. Here is a video that my husband took/edited from a show they played at Johnny Brenda's in Philly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkjaGHgOumI
Following was Moonshine, bringing some good ole' doom to the stage with an energetic female lead, Mis, capable of singing as well as producing some impressive growls. She was feeling the music, swaying backward and forward and touching the invisible notes in the air with outstretched hands. This was a local show for Moonshine, as they are from Baltimore.
Next was The Devil's Blood, all the way from the Netherlands, and yes, they did hit the stage doused with freshly poured blood (or was it cornstarch and food coloring?). I'm not sure if it was schtick or serious but they were intense - she who shall remain nameless stood still the entire set, moving only to turn and face the drummer for periods of time and then back again to pierce the audience with baleful eyes. The lead guitarist was technically skilled and hit those notes fast and hard; he also was casting a scowl upon the crowd, just to get the point across that they meant business. I was impressed with the tunes but the vocals were a bit 'operatic' at times for my personal taste, although I cannot deny the talent.
Priestess came up after The Devil's Blood and it was not quite what I was expecting. They were fast, loud and explosive. I thought it would be a bit groovier based on their album Hello Master, but it was all good. I definitely wasn't disappointed because they put on a decent show. I think this is the first band I have seen from Montreal.
Now we're down to one band, rising from the dust with a weekend of phoenix wings, now ready to settle again into the pages of history: Pentagram. The stage was appropriately decorated with lit candles and the air was full of suspense as we all sat waiting in the dark for Them. Then they did come: Bobby Liebling was wearing a gold lame shirt, tight ass pants and his eyes were lined with thick black kohl, giving him a surprised and slightly crazed look. He was all over the stage, belting out classic Pentagram songs and bringing old school stage presence. I found it amusing that he kept knocking the mic stand over and would get ticked off and a roadie would run out quickly, reset the stand, secure the duct tape attaching the mic (I think that's what the duct tape was for), and then run off-stage again. It reminded me of one of those kids that hang out at tennis courts and run onto the court to get the dead balls.
If anyone is interested, there is a documentary coming out soon on Bobby Liebling. It's by 9.14 Pictures and called 'Last Rites: The Rise and Fall of Bobby Liebling'. Go to 'Features' and you will see 'Last Rite'. Check out the link for a clip from the documentary and some info.
I thought it was an awesome show and I'm stoked that I was able to attend. The Sonar is a decent venue, there were lots of security around and there is re-entry. I found it slightly annoying that every time I went outside for a cigarette the security would have everyone pushed towards the building. It's already a pain in the ass enough to have to go outside to smoke ... give us some room to breathe. The beers I had ranged from $4.50 to $5.00 - I had Guinness, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Woodchuck Oak Aged Cider and Newcastle. I saw some guys walking around with cans of PBR but when I asked for one the bartender said they didn't have them. Maybe it was a personal stash for one of the bands? Not sure.
Did anyone else go? What did you think?
As we walked through a delicious pit smoke cloud and went in the front door we were greeted by a large and life-like banner proudly displaying Guy and the restaurant's 15 minutes of fame. The banner was directly behind a table and sitting at this table was Guy Fieri. Wait, that's not quite right. It was Guy's body double..no lies, folks. He was a spitting image and I can only guess that he realized this and was hoping for a couple requests for autographs. What a poser. I would have liked to snap a picture but the camera was in the car. I chose a 1/4 lb all beef hot dog with ham and cheddar cheese and my tastebuds were singing with joy. The dog was sliced longwise down the center and grilled, piled with pit ham on top and swimming in thick yellow cheddar sauce. Completely yummy. The french fries were fresh cut, small and skinny, and fried to the zen of crispiness in peanut oil. I'm salivating, are you?
After dinner we drive a couple miles into town and found our hotel, checked in, then headed to the show which was 3 blocks away. Playing at the show was, in set order, Serpent Throne, Moonshine, The Devil's Blood, Priestess and the headliner, Pentagram. The show was at the Sonar club, on East Saratoga and it's a good venue because it's all about the bands. There are no frills, no fancies, and the side of the club we were on didn't even have any chairs. It's dark and cavelike, quite the perfect setting for watching a historic metal show.
The show was great, as expected.
Serpent Throne opened the night up with their usual groove - I look forward to the day when I watch them headlining shows. They hale from Philly and their roots are deep set in Black Sabbath, Sir Lord Baltimore and other hard classic rock. Here is a video that my husband took/edited from a show they played at Johnny Brenda's in Philly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkjaGHgOumI
Following was Moonshine, bringing some good ole' doom to the stage with an energetic female lead, Mis, capable of singing as well as producing some impressive growls. She was feeling the music, swaying backward and forward and touching the invisible notes in the air with outstretched hands. This was a local show for Moonshine, as they are from Baltimore.
Next was The Devil's Blood, all the way from the Netherlands, and yes, they did hit the stage doused with freshly poured blood (or was it cornstarch and food coloring?). I'm not sure if it was schtick or serious but they were intense - she who shall remain nameless stood still the entire set, moving only to turn and face the drummer for periods of time and then back again to pierce the audience with baleful eyes. The lead guitarist was technically skilled and hit those notes fast and hard; he also was casting a scowl upon the crowd, just to get the point across that they meant business. I was impressed with the tunes but the vocals were a bit 'operatic' at times for my personal taste, although I cannot deny the talent.
Priestess came up after The Devil's Blood and it was not quite what I was expecting. They were fast, loud and explosive. I thought it would be a bit groovier based on their album Hello Master, but it was all good. I definitely wasn't disappointed because they put on a decent show. I think this is the first band I have seen from Montreal.
Now we're down to one band, rising from the dust with a weekend of phoenix wings, now ready to settle again into the pages of history: Pentagram. The stage was appropriately decorated with lit candles and the air was full of suspense as we all sat waiting in the dark for Them. Then they did come: Bobby Liebling was wearing a gold lame shirt, tight ass pants and his eyes were lined with thick black kohl, giving him a surprised and slightly crazed look. He was all over the stage, belting out classic Pentagram songs and bringing old school stage presence. I found it amusing that he kept knocking the mic stand over and would get ticked off and a roadie would run out quickly, reset the stand, secure the duct tape attaching the mic (I think that's what the duct tape was for), and then run off-stage again. It reminded me of one of those kids that hang out at tennis courts and run onto the court to get the dead balls.
If anyone is interested, there is a documentary coming out soon on Bobby Liebling. It's by 9.14 Pictures and called 'Last Rites: The Rise and Fall of Bobby Liebling'. Go to 'Features' and you will see 'Last Rite'. Check out the link for a clip from the documentary and some info.
I thought it was an awesome show and I'm stoked that I was able to attend. The Sonar is a decent venue, there were lots of security around and there is re-entry. I found it slightly annoying that every time I went outside for a cigarette the security would have everyone pushed towards the building. It's already a pain in the ass enough to have to go outside to smoke ... give us some room to breathe. The beers I had ranged from $4.50 to $5.00 - I had Guinness, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Woodchuck Oak Aged Cider and Newcastle. I saw some guys walking around with cans of PBR but when I asked for one the bartender said they didn't have them. Maybe it was a personal stash for one of the bands? Not sure.
Did anyone else go? What did you think?
3.05.2009
What Side of the Car is the Gas Tank??
If you are anything like me, you will sometimes forget what side of the car the gas tank is on. It doesn't matter if I just filled it up a week before, sometimes I just don't remember. Here is a simple way to remember: take a look at the gas gauge on your dashboard. There will be an arrow beside the little gas pump picture and that arrow points to the side of the car that your tank is on. No more pulling up to the tank on the wrong side!
3.02.2009
The Soccer Mom
Mike asked me yesterday if I'm going to be a soccer mom. My response was that if Asher wants to play soccer, then by golly, I guess I'm going to be a sort of soccer mom. To be honest, I always enjoyed playing soccer and getting all aggressive out on the field in gym class. I regret not joining the team in high school; it is one of my very few regrets regarding that period of my life. I followed Manchester United when I lived in Key West, probably due to the fact that I was good friends with a fellow named Lindsay who happened to hale from Manchester. We would watch the games in he and his girlfriend Claire's living room while consuming large quantities of Guinness and Newcastle. American football really is quite lame in comparison to the football of the rest of the world. It's a pussy sport when compared to rugby. The only reason I get into football at all is if I have money in a pool. Now soccer is a real sport and one that I could actually follow and enjoy - if I had the time to take the time and watch.
Could I be a soccer mom? Sure. I won't be the mini-van driving, manicured, prim and proper soccer mom. I'll be the nappy-haired, tattooed and pierced, lifted Jeep driving soccer mom that pulls up to the field with the soothing sound of Clutch invading the eardrums of anyone caught listening to Top 40. I'll be the soccer mom that always feels slightly out of place but shows up every practice and game anyway because I love my kid and will support him in whatever he wants to do. I'll be Asher's biggest cheerleader even though I've always sneered at the cheerleader type. I can definitely pull off soccer mama.
Watch him want to play American football.
----------------
Now playing: Pentagram - When The Screams Come
via FoxyTunes
Could I be a soccer mom? Sure. I won't be the mini-van driving, manicured, prim and proper soccer mom. I'll be the nappy-haired, tattooed and pierced, lifted Jeep driving soccer mom that pulls up to the field with the soothing sound of Clutch invading the eardrums of anyone caught listening to Top 40. I'll be the soccer mom that always feels slightly out of place but shows up every practice and game anyway because I love my kid and will support him in whatever he wants to do. I'll be Asher's biggest cheerleader even though I've always sneered at the cheerleader type. I can definitely pull off soccer mama.
Watch him want to play American football.
----------------
Now playing: Pentagram - When The Screams Come
via FoxyTunes
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